People & Culture

People at the heart of every adventure

From the local guides who offer cultural depth, to the behind-the-scenes teams who deliver safety and creativity, it’s the human connection that turns your trip with us into something truly meaningful. 

Their insight, care and commitment is the reason your journey is so enriching. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting the wellbeing and growth of everyone in our adventure ecosystem.


Cultural Respect & Partnership

  • Respect first. We honour the cultural traditions, stories and sovereignty of the communities we travel through.
  • Acknowledge Country. We practise culturally appropriate acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians on the lands we visit.
  • Partner with purpose. We work with First Nations–led businesses to deliver authentic experiences, respectfully.
  • Listen before we speak. Community voices guide how stories are shared and experiences are designed.
  • Commit for the long term. We value enduring relationships with cultural custodians, not transactional moments.
  • Name place, properly. We use First Nations place names alongside colonial names in written and spoken communication.
  • Educate with integrity. We train guides and staff to share cultural significance with accuracy, care and respect.
Groups experience a cultural experience at famous Ubirr, Kakadu | Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Cultural Respect & Partnership in Action


AUSTRALIA

Our deep respect for the First Nations peoples of the lands on which we live, work and travel is reflected in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

We are proud to partner with Traditional Owners to develop guided nature walks and cultural tourism experiences on the Ngaro Track in Queensland’s Whitsundays.

Through respectful consultation, this collaboration reflects Ngaro perspectives and connection to Country, while creating training and employment pathways for local First Nations people and supporting our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Reconciliatian Action Plan Progress Reports


NEW ZEALAND

Travellers to New Zealand are invited to complete The Tiaki Promise, a short learning module designed to deepen cultural understanding and encourage respectful engagement with Maori values such as manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga.

 

 


Community Empowerment

  • Keep value local. We design trips that direct economic benefit into the hands of local communities.
  • Employ locally. We prioritise local guides, porters, cooks, hosts and service providers.
  • Stay local. We favour locally owned accommodation and services.
  • Back community leadership. We support community-led projects through the World Expeditions Foundation.
  • Build resilience. We invest in initiatives that strengthen long-term community resilience.
A porter on the Inca Trail | Sarah Higgins

Community Empowerment in Action

Our Eco-Comfort Camps around the world provide shelter for walking groups while also supporting inclusive economic development, cultural preservation and environmental protection for local communities.

The World Expeditions Foundation has also supported community-led projects that empower marginalised groups such as women and children


Advancing Human Rights

  • Zero tolerance. We do not accept discrimination, harassment or exploitation in any form.
  • Advance gender equity. We create pathways for women in guiding and leadership roles.
  • Support women-led initiatives. We actively back women-led businesses and women-focused projects.
  • Design with equity. We embed fairness, representation and respect into every journey we create.
Wamboma Coop Tanzania supporting female farmers to access the tourism supply chain

Advancing Human Rights in Action



Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

  • Share benefits fairly. We distribute value through local employment and grassroots partnerships.
  • Educate responsibly. We challenge stereotypes and actively work to reduce exploitation.
  • Design for inclusion. We create flexible trips for travellers of different abilities, backgrounds and life stages.
  • Support marginalised voices. We champion inclusion in guiding, operations and leadership roles.
  • Hire inclusively. We commit to diverse hiring practices across all global offices.
  • Communicate inclusively. We use inclusive imagery and language across all channels.
  • Zero tolerance. We do not accept discrimination, harassment or exclusion in any form.
Our guides are always a highlight of our walks | Lachlan Gardiner

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Action

We are committed to fostering justice, equity, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our operations. From partnerships and hiring practices to how we design and deliver trips, we work to ensure all voices are heard, valued and represented.